in a not too distant future

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "in a not too distant future" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is generally used when someone is predicting an event that could happen relatively soon. For example: "In a not too distant future, driverless cars will become commonplace on our roads".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"If we move forward like this, we will be a country of elderly people in a not too distant future," Khamenei said in October, according to Fars.

The Guardian

Although the most probable scenario is some form of minority PP- or Socialists-led administration followed by early elections in a not too distant future, all this adds up to a governmental outcome that, because it is unprecedented, is extremely difficult to predict.

The Guardian

The intention is to motivate those intimately involved in instrumentation and measurement to collaborate in improving the techniques available nowadays and that will allow Man, in a not too distant future, to understand its own brain.

Measurement

In a not too distant future where lifelike robots serve mankind, these "mechanicals" slowly start to "wake up".

Huffington Post

We asked some Swedes we met on the street how they feel about hen, and about potentially having to hear and read it every day in a not too distant future.

Vice

In a not too distant future, Ecuador will have nearly 100% maritime surveillance coverage including response capacity for its coastal waters; something that many would have thought inconceivable just a decade ago.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Paramount dropped the trailer for Downsizing Wednesday, introducing us to the cast of characters living in a not-too distant future plagued by the same climate crisis that haunts us today.

Vice

And going a third round in the not too distant future is a distinct possibility.

The New York Times

Therefore, it is conceivable that NGS will become a "routine" procedure in the not too distant future.

BioMed Research International

Expect a video from Sweden in the not too distant future.

The Guardian

We reported earlier this year that Spotify is eyeing a launch in India in the not too distant future.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a not too distant future" to create a sense of anticipation or possibility when discussing potential developments or changes. For instance, "In a not too distant future, we may see personalized medicine becoming a reality."

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, overusing "in a not too distant future" can make your writing sound less precise. Consider more specific timeframes when possible to enhance clarity. Instead of "In a not too distant future, the company will expand," try "The company plans to expand within the next five years."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a not too distant future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an event is expected to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a not too distant future" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that an event is expected to occur relatively soon. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's more prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. For enhanced clarity, consider replacing it with more specific timeframes in formal writing. Alternative phrases include "in the near future" and "in the foreseeable future" for similar implications of temporal proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the near future

This alternative is a more concise way of expressing a similar idea, focusing on the short-term aspect.

in the foreseeable future

This alternative emphasizes the predictability of the future event.

before long

This alternative is a simple and direct way of saying that something will happen soon.

just around the corner

This alternative suggests imminence, implying that the event is very close in time.

on the horizon

This alternative uses a metaphor to suggest that something is approaching and will soon be visible.

in the coming years

This alternative specifies a longer timeframe than "not too distant", spanning multiple years.

in the offing

This alternative means likely to happen or appear soon.

in due course

This alternative implies that something will happen when the time is right, without specifying exactly when.

in short order

This alternative implies that something will happen quickly and efficiently.

in the fullness of time

This alternative suggests that something will happen when the appropriate time has arrived, often implying patience.

FAQs

How can I use "in a not too distant future" in a sentence?

You can use "in a not too distant future" to talk about events that are likely to happen relatively soon. For example, "In a not too distant future, renewable energy sources will become more affordable."

What is a similar phrase to "in a not too distant future"?

A similar phrase is "in the near future", which also indicates that something will happen soon.

Is "in a not too distant future" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, though more formal writing might benefit from more specific language.

What's the difference between "in a not too distant future" and "in the distant future"?

"In a not too distant future" implies events that will happen relatively soon, whereas "in the distant future" refers to events that are far off and less certain.